§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Secretary of State for War, If, under paragraph 43 of the Memorandum lately issued, purchase Captains promoted on July 1, 1881, are to be included in the rule rendering it necessary, under pain of cancellation of promotion, to pass examination before July 1, 1882; and, if he will consider the justice of exempting purchase Captains from such examination, bearing in mind that, by the 38th paragraph, 4th section, Queen's Regulations, 1873, Captains promoted before November 1, 1871, were declared entitled to exemption from examination when reported fit for promotion, and bearing in mind also that the examina- 1353 tion has lately been made much more difficult than it was formerly? He also begged to ask, If, under the intended working of paragraph 81 of Revised Memorandum lately issued, purchase Captains over 42, on being offered promotion on 1st July 1881, and declining it, will be entitled, notwithstanding the non-acceptance of the offered promotion, to retire with the improved pension referred to in the note to the said paragraph?
§ MR. CHILDERSIn reply to my hon. and learned Friend I have to say that purchase captains promoted next month under paragraph 43 of the Memorandum will not be required to pass an examination if they are reported fit for promotion. In answer to the other Question, I have to say, Yes; these officers will receive the improved pension.